Materials

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Introduction

Prepare the Materials

Determine how much stone will be needed. Take careful measurements of the surface to be covered, and add the square footage.

Purchase all of the supplies: stone (figure time for ordering), moisture-resistant barrier such as roofing felt or Tyvek to cover the wallboard, expanded metal lath and mortar. (Mortar type N pre-mixed is easiest to work with and is pre-tinted.)

Make sure you have all the tools needed. (See the materials list, above.)

Pro Tip

Most manufacturers will have the popular models in stock, such as ledge stone or river rock, but if you have to order some more exotic styles such as castle stone, add a couple of weeks to the order for some lead time.

Always order extra material.

Step 1

put on weatherproof barrier

attach expanded metal lath to studs in wall

Prepare the Fireplace Area

Take off any existing trim around the fireplace, and the fireplace front glass.

Put on the weatherproof barrier (Image 1) to keep moisture from the mortar from seeping into the wall, which could cause the wallboard to rot if left unattended. Use a hammer and nails or a stapler.

Attach the expanded metal lath to studs in the wall. (You may need to use a stud finder.)

Step 2

apply enough mortar to cover mesh

Apply the Mortar

Cover the entire surface with a thin scratch coat of mortar, and be sure to apply enough to cover the mesh.

Let the scratch coat of mortar set up overnight.

Pro Tip

Mix mortar to the exact right consistency — not too wet or too dry.

Step 3

bricks on mantel act as spacer

lay out stone on the floor like puzzle

lay out stones in a variety of size and colors

Lay Out the Stones

Set a few bricks on top of the mantel to act as a spacer for the mantel stones to be installed later (Image 1).

Lay out all the pieces of stone on the floor like a puzzle and then you'll see what you have to work with (Image 2).

Pro Tip

The stones need to be put up in a good variety (Image 3) -- thick next to thin, light next to dark, etc.

Step 4

butter corner stone with mortar

spacer on top of brick creates gap

Set the Stones

Pick a corner stone and butter it with mortar over the entire surface of the stone and along the edges (Image 1). Use a special metal spacer on top of a brick (Image 2) to create a gap and place the stone. Put the stone on, then apply it with moderate pressure and hold it for a few seconds, give it a wiggle to set in then take hands away slowly.

Work in sections, putting up the stones and mortar the joints in stages. Do it in about 5 to 10 square feet at a time so the mortar doesn't dry out between joints.

Measure the space between the corner pieces and look for a stone that will fit snugly in the gap. Check to make sure it will fit.

Pro Tip

If the mortar on the wall gets too dry, spray water on it with a spray bottle.

Step 5

nick edges with hammer for natural stone look

Cut the Stones to Fit

If a stone is preferred over another for a specific spot, cut the stone to fit. Hold the saw at an angle and rock back and forth.

Nick the edges up with a hammer to create a more natural stone look.

Step 6

fill joints with mortar

apply masking tape to protect outer walls

Fill the Joints With Mortar

After the stones are on, squeeze mortar into the joints by using a grout bag (Image 1).

After the joints have been filled with mortar, wait an hour or two to let the mortar set up just a bit then use the 1/2" tuck pointer to both pack in and scrape away the excess mortar. The mortar should be dry enough so it just crumbles away. Keep going until the edges of the stones are exposed.

Use a whisk broom to brush away any loose mortar.

Pro Tip

To protect the outer walls, be sure to apply some masking tape (Image 2). Once the mortar is dry, remove the tape.

Step 7

leave the natural edges of stone exposed

leave gap to fill in with mortar

apply stones to mantel

Apply Stones to the Mantel

Cut all mantel stones to appropriate size.

Lay a bed joint down on the mantel with strips or mortar about 5/8" thick along the outer edge, and then along the inside as well (Image 1).

When the area is well covered, lay the stone in place, wiggle it gently to set it, and then level it. Leave a 1/2" gap to later fill with mortar when you lay the next stone (Image 2).

Pro Tip

When applying hearth/mantel stones, appearance is extremely important. Use the cut edges toward the wall or in the mortar joint, leaving the natural edges exposed (Image 3).

Step 8

last hearthstone goes into place

hearth overhang should be less than one half inch

Apply Stones to the Hearth

Follow the same process for the hearth.

As the last hearthstone (Image 1) goes into place, tap the stone with your fist to set it in the mortar.

Go back and fill in the gaps in the wall and the joints in the hearthstones. Then, just squeeze out a thin bead of mortar into the gaps between the stones.

Remember: If the hearth platform has an overhang, make sure it's less than 1/2" (Image 2). If not, the stone could break if someone stands on it or if a heavy object is placed on it.

To finish the job, use a tuck pointer handle to clean and smooth the joints between the stones and give it a good wipe with the whisk broom.